GRILLED CALIFORNIA AVOCADO CHICKEN ULTIMATE

Imagine biting into juicy, perfectly grilled chicken, topped with creamy, cool California avocado, and a burst of fresh flavors that dance on your tongue – that’s what awaits you with this Grilled California Avocado Chicken recipe! Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy, healthy, and utterly delicious dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.

The Star Players: Gather Your Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Avocado Topping:

• 2 ripe California avocados, pitted and diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for a kick!)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ons:

• Your favorite cheese (Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Cotija are great choices)
• Tortillas (for serving as tacos or wraps)
• Lettuce (for serving as lettuce wraps)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Hot sauce

Let’s Get Grilling: Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken (The Night Before is Best!):

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor powerhouse!
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

Preparing the Avocado Topping:

1. While the chicken is marinating (or even just before grilling), prepare the avocado topping. In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and lime juice.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to mash the avocados too much – you want to keep them in nice, chunky pieces.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This will help prevent the avocado from browning.

Grilling the Chicken:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them get a nice sear.
3. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on top of each chicken breast during the last minute of grilling, allowing it to melt slightly.
5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before topping with the avocado mixture.

Serving Your Masterpiece:

1. Spoon the avocado topping generously over the grilled chicken breasts.
2. Garnish with extra cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations and Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken

Want to customize your Grilled California Avocado Chicken? Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or use a spicier chili powder.
• Add some sweetness: A touch of honey or maple syrup to the marinade can add a delightful sweetness.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the avocado topping, such as dill, parsley, or even mint.
• Get creative with the cheese: Try using crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist.
• Make it a salad: Slice the grilled chicken and avocado and toss them with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy and refreshing salad.

Pro Tip: To prevent the chicken from drying out, brine it for 30 minutes before marinating. Simply dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 4 cups of water and soak the chicken in the brine. This will help it retain moisture during grilling.

Healthy Dinner Options: Fueling Your Body Right

This Grilled California Avocado Chicken is a fantastic choice for Healthy Dinners No Carb because it’s packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It’s also a great option for Clean Dinner Recipes For Two – easy to prepare, portion-controlled, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it fits perfectly into the category of Chicken Breast Dinner Recipes Healthy, providing a lean and delicious source of protein. Embrace this recipe as one of your go-to Summer Healthy Dinner Recipes; it’s light, fresh, and perfect for warm evenings!

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Plate

While Grilled California Avocado Chicken is delicious on its own, there are many ways to serve it:

• Tacos or Wraps: Slice the chicken and avocado and serve them in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken and avocado in crisp lettuce cups.
• Salad: As mentioned earlier, this makes a delicious and healthy salad.
• Bowls: Serve the chicken and avocado over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Check out our Greek Chicken Bowls for more bowl inspiration. Or maybe even our Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl
• Sandwich: Make it a Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich by adding the grilled chicken and avocado to toasted bread with cheese and your favorite spreads.

More Grilled Chicken Inspiration

If you love grilled chicken as much as I do, be sure to check out these other amazing recipes:

• Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken: A zesty and flavorful twist on classic grilled chicken.
• Mexican Chicken Marinade: The perfect marinade for adding a south-of-the-border flavor to your chicken.

Side Dish Ideas: Complete the Meal

No grilled chicken is complete without some delicious side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Grilled corn on the cob: A classic summer side dish. You can find great tips on grilling corn with our Bbq Ribs With Corn recipe!
• Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are all great choices.
• Quinoa or rice: A healthy and filling side dish.
• Salad: A simple green salad or a more elaborate pasta salad.

The Avocado Advantage: Why It’s So Good for You

Avocados aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly good for you! They’re packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re also a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and folate.

Final Thoughts: Grill On!

So there you have it – my ultimate guide to making Grilled California Avocado Chicken! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or any occasion where you want a healthy, delicious, and easy meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy grilling!

Grilled California Avocado Chicken Ultimate

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This recipe features juicy, grilled chicken breasts topped with a creamy, cool California avocado topping. It’s an easy, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Total Time 34 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Grill
• Medium bowl
• Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Meat thermometer
• Paper towels

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 ripe California avocados, pitted and diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced optional
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Cheese slices Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Cotija, optional
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt optional
• Hot sauce optional

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
• Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
• While the chicken is marinating, prepare the avocado topping. In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and lime juice.
• Season the avocado topping with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to mash the avocados too much.
• Cover and refrigerate the avocado topping until ready to use.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
• Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on top of each chicken breast during the last minute of grilling, allowing it to melt slightly.
• Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before topping with the avocado mixture.
• Spoon the avocado topping generously over the grilled chicken breasts.
• Garnish with extra cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the marinade. For added sweetness, add honey or maple syrup to the marinade. To prevent drying, brine the chicken for 30 minutes before marinating: dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 4 cups of water and soak the chicken.